Post by Kiwi Frontline on Sept 29, 2017 16:16:24 GMT 12
RIVER LOG JAMS PROMPT RETHINK
Hancock Forest Management has gone back to the drawing board for a new look at a proposed crossing of the Mangakahia River to carry heavy machinery to harvest a pine plantation at Pakotai, 48km northwest of Whangarei.
The company is redesigning the crossing after Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau and Te Mahurehure hapu objected to its construction during a meeting between Hancock, hapu representatives, the Northland Regional Council (NRC) and locals on Te Tarai o Rahiri Marae at Pakotai three months ago.
The culvert crossing proposed by Hancock at the marae meeting consisted of seven precast concrete sections, similar in appearance to those used for cattle underpasses on roads, placed side by side on the river bed so water flowed through them.
Hapu representative Millan Ruka said the crossing would be better described as a "bridge" rather than a "culvert".
"We find it culturally insensitive and poor planning to have this bridge interfere with the wairua of our shared Mangakahia River," he said.
"Hapu katoa have aspirations for waka to hikoi te awa Mangakahia. We all share this river and are duty bound to collectively kaitiaki te awa for its mauri, its tuna, its mahinga kai and all living creatures in it."
Mr Ruka suggested using a helicopter or a fly-wire to carry logs across the river as the proposed crossing was clearly an impediment in the water......
www2.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/article.cfm?c_id=16&objectid=11927418&ref=rss
Hancock Forest Management has gone back to the drawing board for a new look at a proposed crossing of the Mangakahia River to carry heavy machinery to harvest a pine plantation at Pakotai, 48km northwest of Whangarei.
The company is redesigning the crossing after Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau and Te Mahurehure hapu objected to its construction during a meeting between Hancock, hapu representatives, the Northland Regional Council (NRC) and locals on Te Tarai o Rahiri Marae at Pakotai three months ago.
The culvert crossing proposed by Hancock at the marae meeting consisted of seven precast concrete sections, similar in appearance to those used for cattle underpasses on roads, placed side by side on the river bed so water flowed through them.
Hapu representative Millan Ruka said the crossing would be better described as a "bridge" rather than a "culvert".
"We find it culturally insensitive and poor planning to have this bridge interfere with the wairua of our shared Mangakahia River," he said.
"Hapu katoa have aspirations for waka to hikoi te awa Mangakahia. We all share this river and are duty bound to collectively kaitiaki te awa for its mauri, its tuna, its mahinga kai and all living creatures in it."
Mr Ruka suggested using a helicopter or a fly-wire to carry logs across the river as the proposed crossing was clearly an impediment in the water......
www2.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/article.cfm?c_id=16&objectid=11927418&ref=rss